Ave Xia Rem Y

~~~

In the Night Forest, Liu Jin found himself surrounded by countless foes. They had been an unrelenting barrage, hounding him at every turn.

He still felt safer back then than he does right now.

It would be an exaggeration to say the eyes of everyone in the Eternal Flame Clan are on him right now, but that is only because there is a limit to how many people the Sparring Hall can house. As Liu Jin makes his way to Elder Xun, he’s keenly aware there are well over a thousand pairs of eyes on him.

This is fine.

If he says it enough times, he’ll start believing it.

“You may sit,” Elder Xun says once Liu Jin is within a few paces of him. Elder Xun does not say his name or even look at him. Liu Jin has not earned that yet. Much like Elder Cheung moments ago, an old, burnt chair emerges from a transfer circle.

At least, it looks like an old, burnt chair.

The moment he sits on it, Liu Jin instantly feels it. He meets Elder Xue’s eyes and nods. The chair has a slight truth compulsion in it, similar to Elder Xue’s technique. It is not overpowering, but it is definitely there and guarantees no falsehood will leave his lips.

It is just as she warned him.

~~~

“We have three days to prepare you for the trial.”

“Am I to remove myself from the Medical Pavilion?”

“No, while going over the records of Elder Cheung’s activities and those of their missing disciples can be safely delegated, we need as many people capable of testing the disciples there as possible. I expect you to come here every night after you are done for the day there.”

“As Elder Xue commands. Will we go over my testimony?”

“Eventually. First, let us talk of truth, falsehood, and their relative values.”

~~~

As it turned out, the truth, for the purposes of a technique of this level, is malleable. A too strong compulsion would interfere with a disciple’s ability to think and answer. That would defeat the purpose of using witnesses.

“Disciple Qing,” Elder Xue says, using Qi to amplify her voice. “You are the one who discovered Elder Cheung’s actions. Is that not so?”

“That is correct, Elder Xue.”

Just like Elder Xue, he uses Qi to make sure his voice is heard by all. Indeed, a round of whispers is set off by his declaration. However, the biggest reaction comes from none other than Elder Dang.

“An Inner Disciple?” His deep voice echoes across Sparring Hall. He does not bother looking at Liu Jin but turns to Elder Xue instead. “You acted on the words of a mere Inner Disciple?”

“Elder Dang.”

Elder Xun does not tell Elder Dang it is not yet his turn to speak. He does not say Elder Dang will have time to ask questions later. He merely says his name.

That is all he needs to say. Elder Dang immediately goes silent.

“Disciple Qing,” Elder Xue throws with a pointed glance in Elder Dang’s direction. “When did you enter the Eternal Flame Clan?”

“This year, Elder Xue.”

“How long did it take you to become an Inner Disciple?”

“Two days, Elder Xue.”

Liu Jin’s declaration ripples across the audience. It is one thing to be an Inner Disciple, but not many attain the rank so quickly. Even though Liu Jin wasn’t raised in the Sect, he quickly proved himself just as good as those who have been here for far longer. That is what his answer reveals to the audience.

“Since entering the Eternal Flame Clan, you have yet to lose a single sparring match. Is that not so?”

Liu Jin nods. “That is the case.”

“Despite working almost exclusively in the Apothecary, one of the harshest Divisions in the Eternal Flame Clan, your work has never been found wanting. Is that true?”

“Elder Xue knows better than anyone that my work in the Apothecary has never been found wanting.”

Elder Xue favors him with a smile. “Quite true. This Elder can attest to that. It is also true that Lady Ling has acknowledged you as someone worthy to tutor her son?”

If the earlier declarations are like pebbles thrown into a lake, this one is a boulder, and the ensuing splash takes the shape of numerous gasps and wide-eyed stares. Even Liu Jin is caught off-guard. The intensity of the stares coming from the Elders in the high seats increases enough to make the hairs on the back of Liu Jin’s neck stand on end.

And yet, Liu Jin understands why Elder Xue just revealed his connection to Feng Hao.

“It is true, Elder Xue,” Liu Jin says. “This one was granted the privilege of being able to tutor Young Master Feng Hao.”

Elder Dang tried to undermine his words by attacking his status. Thus, Elder Xue must build up his reputation in front of everyone. A prodigy that became an Inner Disciple mere days after joining the Eternal Flame Clan. Someone trusted not just by the Apothecary but by Lady Ling.

That is who Qing Jin is now.

Elder Xue meets Elder Dang’s eyes and smiles for the most fleeting of instants before turning back to Liu Jin.

“Tell us how you discovered Elder Cheung’s crimes.”

Liu Jin does so. For the next thirty minutes, he narrates how the discovery took place. He does not speak of Eastern Port City or Doctor Wu. He keeps his story confined to Pan Qiu and the odd state of his dantian, as well as their subsequent acquisition and analysis of the poison he was given.

“Naturally,” Elder Xue says once Liu Jin is finished, “I, along with several members of the Apothecary, have verified the state of Disciple Pan’s dantian. We are in full agreement with this diagnosis. If need be, I am prepared to have Disciple Pan brought here so that my fellow Elders can examine him.”

She makes the offer without any fear of foul play. Even if every Elder in Lord Feng Shang’s faction were to deny Pan Qiu’s condition, Elder Xun would still be able to ascertain the truth for himself.

“I am sure there is no need for that,” Elder Dang says, well aware that having Pan Qiu brought before Elder Xun will only help Elder Xue’s case. “Rather, I wonder when it shall be my turn to question the witness.”

“By all means, do so,” Elder Xue replies, turning to Elder Xun. “For now, at least, I have no more questions for this disciple.”

“Very well,” Elder Xun says. He gestures at Elder Dang. “Elder Dang, you may begin.”

“Thank you, honored Elder.” Elder Dang moves to stand before Liu Jin, subtly raising his Qi. Not enough to be overpowering, but certainly enough to unbalance most people.

Most have not stood before Nine-Headed Snake God.

“Disciple,” he says, the word rolling from his mouth as though it were an insult, “were you somehow not aware of the existence of Internal Disputes?”

It takes Liu Jin a few seconds to answer. Not because he is intimidated, but because his mind is stuck on that word.

Disciple.

Not Disciple Qing. Just Disciple.

It is not that Elder Dang somehow didn’t hear his name. He is just determined to prove his irrelevance in front of this audience.

“On the contrary, Elder, its existence and purpose were explained to me during my second day in the Eternal Flame Clan.”

“Then why, upon making your discovery, did you not go there?”

Liu Jin blinks.

“Surely, Elder Dang should have no trouble understanding that. When Elder Xue called me to testify, was it not Elder Dang who called this one a mere Inner Disciple? How could this one possibly expect the Division of Internal Disputes to take my words seriously?”

Elder Dang’s eyes narrow slightly. It is the only sign of how irritated Liu Jin’s words have made him.

“Have you ever met Elder Cheung?”

“Yes.”

“Did you ever see him give anyone anything to drink during those occasions?”

Ah.

“No,” Liu Jin replies, frowning as he realizes where Elder Dang is taking this. Elder Xue warned him this was a possibility.

“Have you ever seen the disciple you analyzed in the same room as Elder Cheung?”

Even so, he is surprised Elder Dang is already resorting to it.

“No.”

Elder Xue can prove there is a disciple that has been experimented on.

“So you simply assumed Elder Cheung’s culpability?”

That is not the same thing as proving Elder Cheung did it.

“No.”

Elder Dang raises an eyebrow at his answer. “No?”

“Assume is a word with many meanings, many of which I do not feel are suitable for the occasion,” Liu Jin quickly says, the compulsion working on him. “I deduced Elder Cheung’s culpability.”

“Based on what evidence?” Even though Elder Dang does not move, it feels as if he’s suddenly looming over Liu Jin. “You have given your testimony, disciple. A disciple has been experimented on. Elder Xue needs but to transfer him here to prove that.”

“Is that a request?” Elder Xue asks with an innocent look on her face.

“Elder Xue,” Elder Xun says, sternly. “You will not interrupt Elder Dang while he questions the witness.”

“Thank you, honored Elder,” Elder Dang says. “As I was saying, I applaud you for being able to identify something of this magnitude was being done, disciple. However, there is not a single point where you have proven that these horrible experiments have been done by Elder Cheung’s hand. All you have done is slander an Elder of the Eternal Flame Clan whose virtue has been proven several times in the past. Explain yourself.”

Liu Jin mentally thanks Elder Dang for the way in which he phrased that.

“Honored Elder, it was the treatment Disciple Pan Qiu received in the Medical Pavilion that put him in that state. Not only should that level of manipulation be beyond most disciples, but the idea of an Elder not being aware of something of that magnitude happening within his own division is laughable. If this disciple were to insinuate any of the Elders here could not control their divisions, they would surely strike this disciple down. Is that not so?”

“So you would rather accuse an Elder of maliciousness instead of negligence?” Elder Dang says, speaking not to Liu Jin but to the entire room. “Certainly, Elder Cheung possesses great medical skill, but he can hardly be said to be the only one capable of modifying a disciple’s dantian. Does it not make more sense for a man of such diligent character to lose himself in his work and not notice the actions of a few disciples?”

To that, Liu Jin says nothing.

“Oh, will you say nothing?”

“This disciple thought the question was rhetorical.”

Elder Dang’s smile freezes in place. “Very well then. Do you believe Elder Cheung is the only person in the entire Eternal Flame Clan capable of modifying a dantian?”

“No.”

Murmurs rise from the audience. It is not something they had been unaware of, but Elder Dang forcing Liu Jin to say it makes the words have more weight to them.

“Do you believe it is possible for a disciple to do it?”

Liu Jin wants to bite his tongue, but it’s no use. The answer comes rolling from his lips.

“Yes.”

“Could you do it?”

Yes.

“Honored Elder, just because this disciple can tell when the sun rises does not mean he can make it rise.”

He does his best to put the right amount of defeat in his voice. He has to. Otherwise, Elder Dang will question the shape of his answer. If he does, he is not sure he will be able to fight the compulsion. The answer he gave just now was not a lie, but it was also a non-answer. True from a certain perspective but unrelated to the question.

“Naturally. You are, after all, just an Inner Disciple. My apologies. I have no further questions. Elder Xun.”

Even though he accomplished what Elder Xue wanted him to, as Elder Dang walks away from him, Liu Jin is left with the distinct feeling he just lost.

“Elder Xue, are there any further questions you wish to ask.”

“None, Elder Xun. I wish to call my next witness.”

~~~

“Why would you ask this of me?”

“The testimony of someone from the Medical Pavilion could be vital.”

“I don’t see any shortage of disciples around us.”

“I don’t see any shortage of untrustworthy strangers around me.”

“Ah, yes. Clearly, that is all I needed to hear to ignore all the obvious dangers. Do you realize what you are asking of me?”

“I do. That is why I have not brought up the idea to Elder Xue. I will not force this upon you. If you say no, that will be it.”

~~~

Lu Mei takes her place before the Elders with as much poise and grace as she can muster, which happens to be quite a bit of it. Many are the disciples who marvel at her beauty. However, Liu Jin knows her enough to tell she’s nowhere near as composed as she presents herself. Her skin is paler than usual, and there is a tenseness to her muscles that is not usually there.

“Disciple Lu Mei, you work in the Medical Pavilion, correct?” Elder Xue asks once Lu Mei is on the witness chair.

“I do.”

“What sort of duties do you perform there?”

“I perform minor diagnosis, treat light injuries, make simple medicines, and handle other minor tasks.”

“Quite good for a relatively new disciple,” Elder Xue praises. “Tell me, did you have the opportunity to see Disciple Pan while in the Medical Pavilion?”

Lu Mei nods. “I did. He came in every day for his punishment.”

“And how much time did he remain there?”

“Most of the day. He often had to stay the night because he was recovering from the effects of the poison.”

“Is there a point to this?” Elder Dang cuts in, gesturing at the two women with a wave of his hand. “This is nothing more than information we already know. The only difference is that it now comes from a disciple of the Medical Pavilion who has no sense of loyalty to Elder Cheung.”

“Elder Dang,” Elder Xun says, some exasperation creeping into his voice. “I begin to tire of telling all of you to not speak out of turn. Please, do not give me cause to do it again.”

“It is quite alright, Elder Xun,” Elder Xue says. “Elder Dang has asked a pertinent question, one I intend to answer right now. He says anyone skilled enough could have done this. In that case, is it not our duty to limit our pool of suspects? Disciple Lu’s testimony proves Disciple Pan spent nearly all his time in the Medical Pavilion. Disciple Lu, do you think it would be possible for Disciple Pan to have been in constant contact with the other divisions of the Eternal Flame Clan during this time?”

Lu Mei shakes her head. “I do not think that would have been possible.”

“Exactly,” Elder Xue says with a smile. “Thus, our culprit must come from the Medical Pavilion.”

She looks at Elder Dang.

“I suppose Elder Dang will now try to marvel us with stories of the many disciples that walk the halls of the Medical Pavilion?”

“If I am being spoken to, I assume it is permissible for me to answer?” Elder Dang asks Elder Xun and gets a nod in reply. “In that case, yes. That is indeed what I would have said, Elder Xue. The Medical Pavilion is one of the most visited places in the Eternal Flame Clan.”

“By mere Inner and Outer Disciples,” Elder Xue counters. “Is that not so, Disciple Lu?”

“Elder Xue speaks the truth,” Lu Mei says. “Most of the disciples who work and visit the Medical Pavilion are Inner and Outer Disciples, nearly all of them less than three decades old.”

As one grows in cultivation, their regenerative abilities increase. Thus, there is rarely any need for the most accomplished Inner Disciples to visit the Medical Pavilion, to say nothing of Core Disciples.

In other words, only weak disciples will have cause to regularly visit the Medical Pavilion.

“They do not sound like the sort of people who would know how to modify a dantian,” Elder Xue points out, her voice easily reaching every corner of the Sparring Hall.

“That is so.” Lu Mei nods. “This disciple can confirm she does not know how to do such a thing.”

“Indeed, even though the Medical Pavilion has many disciples working in it, the list of people who can perform the crime we are speaking of is quite small.”

In a burst of flame, a thin folder appears on Elder Xue’s hand. It barely looks like it has more than one page.

“This is a list of all the Core Disciple and older Inner Disciples who could have been in contact with Disciple Pan Qiu,” she says, laying it on Elder Xun’s desk. “It was compiled by going over the Medical Pavillion’s records.”

“Interesting,” Elder Xun says, leafing through it. “Does that mean you will call upon all of them as potential suspects?”

“We would indeed need to do that,” Elder Xue says with a solemn face. “If Disciple Pan Qiu was the only victim, that is.”

The entire room goes completely still for a moment before erupting in activity. Still, once again, it is Elder Dang’s reaction that overtakes all.

“What?”

“I clearly said Elder Cheung had experimented on our disciples.” Even as the room buzzes around her and Elder Dang, Elder Xue’s voice easily prevails. “Did you believe I spoke falsely? That I spoke in plural merely to make myself look better?”

“You have only spoken of one specific case so far!”

“I will admit their existence was… theoretical,” Elder Xue says, completely calm in the face of Elder Dang’s rising anger. “However, surely you did not think my disciples have done nothing in the Medical Pavilion? Every disciple in the Medical Pavilion has been examined and three cases like that of Disciple Pan were found among them. Out of the three, two had undergone punishments dictated by Elder Cheung. The last one, meanwhile, had been personally offered a place in a study by Elder Cheung. After that, we called upon disciples from outside the Medical Pavilion who have had their punishments dictated by Elder Cheung or who have otherwise been put in special projects by him. Ten more cases were identified.”

Elder Dang’s face becomes increasingly pale with each of Elder Xue’s words. However, his panic cannot be compared to Elder Cheung’s.

“No!” He yells out. “It was not my fault. Please, you have to believe me! I did not-”

Elder Xun looks at him, and suddenly, Elder Cheung is paralyzed.

“Elder Xue, am I correct in assuming you plan on calling every one of those thirteen cases?”

“Indeed, I do,” says Elder Xue. “In addition, I wish to submit this other list.”

Elder Xue lays down another folder on Elder Xun’s desk.

“This is a list of all the disciples that have disappeared from the Eternal Flame Clan during the past five years. I know such things are common. Few are those who can keep up with the standards of our Sect. However, a few among them had dealings with the Elder Cheung in the months leading to their disappearance.”

“Interesting.” Elder Xun hums as he looks over the papers. “Elder Dang, you have not spoken. Do you wish to ask anything to this witness before Elder Xue calls in her next thirteen?”

“No.” Elder Dang says, his voice like the dead. He understands now. Elder Xue could have won from the beginning. If she had presented this evidence from the start, there would have been no need for all his arguments.

That is why she chose not to do so.

Instead, she brought out young, relatively unimportant disciples at first. She had allowed him to think her case was weak, so he’d be more compelled to argue against it. Elder Xue wanted everyone to see him do his best to defend a man who has committed one of the most grievous sins a cultivator can do.

The entire Eternal Flame Clan has borne witness to this. There is no way the Division of Internal Disputes will be allowed to have any say in what happens to the Medical Pavilion after this.

“I have nothing to say.”

Indeed, Elder Dang says nothing as Elder Xue calls upon witness after witness, thoroughly proving Elder Cheung is the only point of commonality between them. As his humiliation becomes complete and Elder Cheung is dragged away to the Punishment House, he can only stare at Elder Xue’s laughing eyes.

He would not forget this.

~~~